HRANA News Agency – Following the clashes between police forces and Dervishes in Tehran, Iran’s law enforcement spokesman announced the arrest of at least 300 Dervishes. Five others were killed in the clashes. NAJA has confirmed that three law enforcement officers and two Basijis were killed. The reports indicate that about 70 women have been arrested and were transferred to the Qarchak prison in Varamin. Many detained men have also been transferred to Evin Prison, although there is no information available on the fate of a large number of detainees.

According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran (HRANA), after arresting one of the Gonabadi dervishes, Nematullah Riahi, a group of Gonabadi dervishes gathered to protest. The protesting dervishes demanded Mr. Riahi’s unconditional release. (more…)